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Laughing Kookaburra

This little guy/girl was struck by a car. She (anything not sexed is a girl to me) looks pretty healthy, but unfortunately had a badly broken wing. She was held overnight by some caring members of public, who tried to feed her but she would not eat or drink. I collected her, and contacted the organisation we do rescues for, who advised her prognosis was not good. Sadly this bird was humanely euthanised. I thought I would share her story. Such a beautiful bird, such a waste of life, but no longer is this creature suffering. The abscence of colour on the wing makes me think it is a young bird.

It is important to remember that the quality of life for the individual is more important than human vanity, which thinks that all can be saved!!

So many animals injured, so many lives wasted, but every now and then we have a win, and that is why I keep doing what I do, for the sake of the animal!

How sad, she was beautiful.What a great job you are doing, to help wildlife

Living outside of a City, I see dead animals every morning, driving on the country roads. That's why my daughter has put a kit together for me, to keep in my car.Most of what you would need to rescue animals. I always stop and check, if they are dead,(I have a stethoscope), and check their pouches.Where I live, far too many Wombats and Koalas are killed .Every time I see a dead animal on the road, I go: O no, not another one, and it breaks my heart.

Yes it is a sad situation. I agree with the wildlife rescue charter that a native wild animal should only be released back into the environment if it is able to live healthily and normally (safely also, if possible) which means it must be physically able to do so which is unfortunately impossible after some injuries. WHOMP rescued a wallaby chased by a dog into the ocean on Saturday afternoon (the dog also nearly drowned) and amazingly it recovered with no ill effects and was able to be released back on Monday so there are also some happier stories.

Alison
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"the earth is not only for humans, but for all animals and living things."

Thank you both for your comments, and I assume implied support, anyone who does animal rescue (domestic or wildlife) does it for the best of the animal, and not for any personal gain. Unfortunately of late, we have had more losses than wins, but at least we have prevented prolonged animal suffering. Sometimes I wonder why I do what I do, as it can be very depressing at times, but then I think of the animals, and that is what we do! Every now and then the win makes it all worth while (as in the Wallaby you mentioned Alison).

I applaud anyone who takes up these causes, and offer support, even if only for people to vent their anguish and frustrations to. My son and I wil continue to do this work, and hope more join in, to help make the world a better place.

We will not attempt to report too many of the sad stories, but again, if we encourage more to participate (stiring up interest of other members) then we will have done some more good.

It is good to talk these things over with other people who understand and maybe experience the same thing. I also think both the sad and happy stories need to be told as our wildlife is under a lot of stress and not everyone is aware of this. In another sad story I took a young Australasian Gannet (who had its broken tail feathers removed only a few days ago) from the carer to the vet to be euthanised today as it had stopped eating - still seemed quite lively (and dangerous too) but it would have deteriorated quite quickly due to not eating. I did not enjoy the journey as you would understand but until then we had every expectation that he would be released. As humans we can only do so much for these animals and make their time in care as comfortable as possible with the hope of a successful outcome or a quick release from suffering. I hope your outcomes are more positive in the future.

Alison
~~~~~~
"the earth is not only for humans, but for all animals and living things."

My daughter worked at an Animal Emergency Centre. Most animals that came in were badly injured, run over by cars, but sadly many mistreated and tortued cats and dogs. Every night or day after the shift finished , the vets and nuses got together to talk about what they saw, to debrief. Most vets and nurses didn't cope for long. My daughter stayed the longest, for almost 3 years. Then all she wanted was, to see some nice , normal cats and dogs. But she is now thinking of going back, as she said it is most rewarding to be part of saving a few badly injured animals. It was very strange that some vets were not comfortable treating birds or snakes for that matter.

It is very rewarding to rescue and help our native wildlife. I have been doing so as part of a rescue organisation for several months now and have met many wonderfully knowledgable and caring rescuers who havebeen doing this work for many years. Lots of amazing people who do care!
This week has been quite birdy for me! One tawny frogmouth now in care with an experienced carer, a magpie presently at the vets, and a very tiny masked lapwing with me for the night as He did not come into my care until late in the day and he needs to be returned to his parents early in the morning. A well meaning member of the public found this tiny fluffball on the ground in a park and dropped it off at the vets just on closing yesterday, it would be nice if we could get the word out that not all baby birds belong in trees! But, really it is nice that they care enough to be concerned.